Authorities unsure whether 'pillowcase' burglaries in Indian River Shores connected to others farther south

INDIAN RIVER SHORES — It’s still a mystery whether the pair of burglaries that happened on April 25 in this barrier island community can be connected to the so-called “pillowcase” crimes happening farther south on the Treasure Coast and in South Florida.

But the thieves’ haul in Indian River Shores could have been one of the most profitable in recent months, according to the Public Safety Department. At one home, about $20,000 in valuables were stolen, Chief Robert Stabe said. At the second, the suspect made off with $10,000 cash and $2,700 in valuables.

Stabe would not specify the valuables taken.

“They may or may not be a part of the same network as those in Broward County,” Stabe said. “There is always a possibility they may be copycats.”

The burglaries happened in the 5000 and 6000 blocks of State Road A1A, the Public Safety Department said. That’s several miles from Interstate 95, which perpetrators of other crimes tagged as pillowcase burglaries tend to stick close to, authorities said. The thieves generally grab pillowcases from the bed and fill them up with jewelry and other valuables, investigators said.

“I would encourage our residents to lock your doors and windows, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity,” Stabe said.

He advised residents not to neglect their alarm system if they have one. They should arm it any time they’re leaving home, he said.

Since 2011, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office has investigated more than 92 such burglaries, with at least 18 this year. In recent months, the burglars have extended their reach into St. Lucie County, where law enforcement officers in Port St. Lucie have investigated about two dozen incidents since early February.

The burglaries tend to occur between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays, authorities said. The thieves will pull into a driveway — often driving a late-model car with tinted windows — and knock on the door. If someone answers, they will ask for a fictitious person by name and leave. If no one answers, they will break through a door or window.